How can a facility be used to promote a beautiful diverse ecosystem in the Kanaka Creek Watershed?

Kanaka Creek is a beautiful, natural setting, home to an abundance of native plants and wildlife like herons, tailed frogs and bears. It also houses the Bell-Irving Salmon Hatchery. Our work, as a continuation of the new Bell Irving hatchery, explores the site in ways not previously done. Ratio challenged convention by pulling the program areas apart and engaging the site in a distinctly personal yet sustainable way.

The result expands and upgrades the existing facility, creating a campus-like setting where connectivity and circulation of the spaces is outdoors, while minimizing the building footprint and impacts of site development in this delicate watershed.

Every aspect of the project seeks to touch the ground lightly. The traditional building as a single artifact is pulled apart, integrating the outdoor space and creating connectivity between buildings and the surrounding environment. Partially funded by the local community, the Centre is designed as a replicable model for watershed stewardship, sustainability, education and grassroots engagement.